It's This Weekend!

Maple Valley Days is happening this weekend (June 13-15) at Lake Wilderness Park. There will be food, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more at the annual festival.

Chelsea Grown Up

The only winner in the Clinton family, in my opinion was daughter Chelsea, who showed grace and poise on the campaign trail.

Veep In Tennis Shoes?

Blogger Chris Bowers has reported that Washington Senator Patty Murray may be under consideration for a spot on the Obama ticket. The three term US Senator has been a Hilary Clinton supporter throughout the campaign and the Obama camp may be thinking of her as a means to pick up support from working class women.
This is not the first time a Washington senator has been considered for Vice President, the late Scoop Jackson was reportedly promised a spot on the Kennedy ticket, but was dumped because Lyndon Johnson brought Texas and more votes into the Democratic ticket.

Iconic Sports Announcer Jim McKay Dies

Barack Obama Represents New Generation

Barack Obama, born in 1961 will be the first nominee of a major political party to be younger than I am. I was born in 1957.

UW Law School To Receive A Generous Contribution

The Puget Sound Business Journal Reports that the University Of Washington Law School has received a generous pledge from Stan and Alta Barer. The money will be used to establish the Barer Institute Of Law And Global Human Services.
University Of Washington President Mark Emmert said
"This gift ensures that the UW will continue to produce leaders in the international human rights arena and provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and, most importantly, global legal education. We're very grateful to Stan and Alta for their vision and generosity."
Stan is the chairman of the University Of Washington Board Of Regents. A Walla Walla High School graduate, he is, I believe, the 4th of 7 members of the Barer family to attend the University Of Washington.

Naveen Haq Case Declared A Mistrial

Naveen Haq, who two years ago next month, shot 6 female workers at the Jewish Federation in downtown Seattle, killing one has been granted a mistrial. Haq's legal team played their only card, the insanity defense. King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg has stated that Haq will be retried at a later date.
Thanks to the Seattle Times for the photo.

Since the weather is cold and rainy in the middle of June, this song by the ClassicsIV seems appropriate.

The 2008 Nominees Are.....

The fight has begun.

Speaking Of Bo--Do It!

Bye Bye Bo Didley

Rock and Roll Pioneer Bo Didley dies at 79.

Spokane is often seen as the "Rodney Dangerfield" of the Northwest,meaning it does not always get the respect that it deserves. When Spokane's Jr Hockey team won the championship of it's league, it was this incident that made the headlines. The upside is that Marvelous Marv Throneberry would have been proud.

Keith Olbermann Takes On Hilary

Hilary Clinton's reference to Bobby Kennedy's campaign was curious at best. MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, never one to mince words, takes it one step further.

Barers Of Maple Valley Turns 3 Today

This blog was born on May 29th, 2005.

Did My Father Help Tom Lantos Rise In Congress?

The Late Tom Lantos, had a lengthy and productive career representing the San Francisco Bay area in the U. S. House Of Representatives. This post on the abarer blog talks about a meeting my Dad had with powerful Congressman Tom Foley that may have jumpstarted Mr. Lantos' career.


"On a warm spring day Congressman Tom Foley visited Democratic campaign Headquarters in Walla Walla. Most people were mowing lawns and other rites of early spring and as I sat next to Tom who was then Majority Whip we spoke of my former college roommate, Tom Lantos, a newly elected member of the house.I related this story to him. One morning as Mr. Baruch entered his office adjacent to the stock market floor he was greeted by an earnest young man who handed him a letter. The missive was from a dear friend of his mother. It explained that the young man, her son, was looking forward to a career on Wall Street and any help the well known Wizard could give him would be appreciated.Baruch took the boy by the arm. He explained the he was heading for the men's room at the far end of the floor. You will go with me as far as the door giving me an update on everything your family is doing in a very sincere manner.Because you are with me every eye will be on you. If you you can't take it from there, you will never make it on the Street.The next time I saw Tom Foley he reported that he followed up on our conversation encountering Tom Lantos in the House Cloak Room during a break. He invited him to sit near the entrance where all could see them and the future Speaker of the House and the freshman member had an earnest discussion about-----me.I never heard the follow up on Baruch's young man but Tom Lantos during his lifetime became a world class legislative inspiration"

Dunkin' Donuts Pulls Ads

Michelle Malkin gained notoriety in the late 90s as an editorial writer for the Seattle Times. Her unabashed attacks on the Seattle political establishment raised eyebrows. However, she did gain some respect as a needed political watchdog. When Malkin left the Times, she began an online colum that was much more venomous. Her MO was to print letters from her detractors, but they were not the letters of those who agreed to disagree of which the majority probably were. They were from the fringe who wrote threatening letters to her. She has shown very little tolerance for anyone who may disagree with her.
Now in her quest to gain fame, Michelle has protected America's children by getting a Dunkin'Doughnut advertisement featuring Rachael Ray pulled.
If it makes Michelle a laughing stock, you can bet she will use that to further her McCarthy-esque crusade.

Could Griffey Return?

While a promising Mariners season seems to be going down in flames, there is talk around the region of a second coming of Ken Griffey, Jr. It seems after all that Griffey's happiest years were in a Mariner uniform, while the best years of the Mariners where with Junior patrolling Center field. Age and injuries have taken their toll on Griffey as a Cincinnatti Red, but there is no doubt that his arrival could be beneficial toward this team getting the veteran leadership it needs.

Around The Family Blogosphere

Cousin Sam Barer talks what vanity plates say about drivers on Fourwheel Drift.

Songs like this can make anyone love Rock music. Chicago was one of a handful of groups that successfully fused Jazz and Rock. In early 1970, they apeared at Coordiner Hall in Walla Walla, on the Whitman College campus. Soon afterward, Make Me Smile, made them into superstars. The group eventually evolved into a "softrock" contemporary sound in the late 70s.

Sportradio's Tracy Taylor Still Gets The Most Hits

Almost 2 years ago, I decided to write about KJR's returning Traffic Reporter and morning personality Tracy Taylor,
Taylor had returned to the station after a gig in North Carolina. The popularity of that article, indicated by sitemeter, inspired me to do 2 additional stories. Those three posts, Continue to bring dozens of readers to this blog, including Taylor herself. Taylor is perhaps the area's best known and most popular radio personality. She also is a very nice person. You can hear Tracy Taylor and her traffic reports, along with her morning banter, on 950 Sportsradio KJR.

Democrats Meet In Maple Valley

Darcy Burner has been nominated by Democratic Precinct Committee Officers throughout Washington's 8th Congressional District. The PCO turnout was rather high at Maple Valley-Covington's Tahoma High School upon hearing that Darcy was indeed being challenged. Jim Vaughn was nominated from the floor and had a smart, not spellbinding speech. He was politely received, although when he said he was from the Conservative wing of the Democratic Party, his welcome grew a little cooler.
The 8th District Congressional Caucus followed where delegates from the Legislative Caucus picked delegates to go to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. I want to thank Patrick Byers for the picture and On The Road To 2008 for information about this weekends Convention and Caucus.

Ted Kennedy Hospitalized

Massachusetts Senior Senator Edward M. Kennedy has been hospitalized with stroke like symptoms, no word as yet on his condition.

The McCain-Rossi Twofer

Washington 8th Congressional District PCOs To Meet

Democratic Precinct Committee officers from throughout Washington's 8th Congressional District will meet the this Saturday, May 17th at Tahoma High School at
18200 SE 240th St, Covington, WA with the purpose of nominating a candidate to oppose incumbant Republican Congressman Dave Reichert. Because of a recent Supreme Court decision taking partisanship out of the State Primaries, this is the only way that Darcy Burner or anyone opposing her can get the nomination of the Democratic Party. Sign in will begin at 8:00am with the Caucus beginning at 9:00am.

Seahawks Behaving Badly

Sources report that Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu was arrested by the Kirkland police department for driving under the influence. This was the second off field incident to involve a Seahawk defensive starter, Last month, Defensive End Rocky Bernard was arrested on an assault charge. The Seahawks under Tim Ruskill have stressed the desire to have player who conduct themselves well in the community. While the charges against Tatupu are very serious, how he handles himself going forward should determine his future with the 'Hawks.

We Are Deeply Saddened.

10,000 people are believed to have died in an earthquake in China.

And Speaking Of Old Beer Commercials

My brother Steve decided to bring back some memories with the old "Miller Lite" commercials. Those were the commercials that made John Madden famous. I decided to dig a little deeper.

Burl Barer's New Radio Endeavor

You can listen to Burl Barer's new internet radio show by clicking here. Saturdays at 2:00pm Pacific Daylight time. For those of us that work at that time, there are some past broadcasts there as well. Burl is also a regular on Outlaw Radio which is heard also on Saturdays with an array of characters at this site.

Now A Word From The "King Of Beers"

I wanted to lighten things up a little. One of the popular commercials of this Generation!

Tiffany JoAllen

This lady on Youtube performs listener's requests.

Jazz On The Green At Druids Glenn

The Second Installment of Smooth Jazz 98.9 Jazz On The Green concert series will be this Friday May 10th at the Druids Glenn Golf Course, just outside of Maple Valley. Jazz Pianist
Deems Tsakagawa will be performing. Deb and I had a splendid time at last month's performance with Michael Powers.

Happy 60th Anniversary

Happy Birthday To Willie Mays

Former Centerfielder Willie Mays, my first sports hero turns 77 today. While playing with the New York Baseball Giants in the 1950s, Mays was part of a legendary triumvirate of Center fielders in New York that included Mickey Mantle of the Yankees and Duke Snider of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers and Giants of course moved to Los Angeles and San Francisco respectively in 1958. Mays of course, played for the San Francisco Giants until the early 1970s when he was traded to the New York Mets. After reading about Mays in a magazine article in 1967, I suddenly became a big baseball fan.

When Radio Was King In Seattle

The title was not meant as a pun--long ago when there were fewer TV and Radio choices, KJR had a 30 something market share in the Puget Sound Region. The DJ's were well known around the community. Here is a video from 1979 with Rock and Roll Jocks Pat O'Day and the late Lan Roberts on a popular local TV talk show.

5th District Democrats Launch Full Slate Of Candidates

If Senator Cheryl Pflug, Representative Jay Rodne, and Representative Glenn Anderson think that they are going to have an easy time being returned to represent the MapleValley-Issquah-Sammamish-Fall City area in the Washington State Legislature, they could be mistaken. The turnout in Democratic Caucuses throughout the 5th District was even higher than it was in 2004 and three super candidates have come forward to challenge the three Republican incumbants.
Phyllis Huster will challenge Cheryl Pflug for State Senate, having experience in the Telecom Field. David Spring, a North Bend educator, will run for State House Of Representives against veteran incumbant Glenn Anderson for position 2. Jon Viebrock, a Union Construction Foreman, will take on Jay Rodne for position 1 in the House.
Although the 5th has traditionally been a solid Republican district, Democrats have made serious inroads in local elections.
I'll have more on these candidates in the next few weeks.

Obama On David Letterman

Hopefully this gets his campaign back on track.

Jacobson Will Go For The Gold

One of the best fencers in the world, Sada Jacobson will join the US Olympic Team and attempt to win the the Gold Medal for the USA.

Seahawks Top 2 Picks Show Promise

The Seattle Seahawks first 2 picks hail from 2 perenial football powerhouses. Number one pick, Lawrence Jackson is a defensive lineman from USC. John Carlson, the number 2 pick, is a tight end from Notre Dame.

Tod Goldberg Vs Dr Laura

A casual blog dig by Cousin Tod Goldberg (Top) has apparently angered famous talk show host Dr Laura Schlessinger. Goldberg received an angry e-mail from Dr. Laura after challenging her doctoral credentials.

Seahawks Cut Ties To Shaun Alexander

It is the end of an era here as the Seattle Seahawks have cut Shaun Alexander. Alexander, the Hawks first round draft pick in 2000 out of Alabama, was league MVP in 2005 when he ran for 1880 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. That was the Seahawks Super Bowl season. Injuries have forced a dramatic decline. Alexander has come under criticism during his career by fans who thought that he was selfish and a showboat.

Photo from the Seattle Times.

And Another Glenn Johnson Recovery

Sorry, inside joke. Sources say that Glenn Johnson has been released from the hospital and that he is doing fine. Johnson above left was rushed to Pullman MemorialHospital Sunday after his blood pressure spiked.

The long time Washington State University communications professor is arguably one of the nation's most colorful stadium announcers . He is known for such phrases as "that's another Cougar first down" and the deep voiced "No Gain".

Washington State University Professor Recovering

Communications Professor Glenn Johnson, known to most of the "Cougar Nation" as the stadium announcer for WSU football and basketball, is recovering from "stroke like symptoms". Johnson was taken by ambulance to Pullman Memorial Hospital Sunday according to the university newspaper, "The Daily Evergreen". In addition to his school duties, Johnson is also the mayor of Pullman.

From The Blogosphere:

Cousin Tod shows some very witty Obama ads

Local Figure On American Gladiator

I had not ever met anyone who had been on a reality show until Tanji Johnson, a Bellevue body builder apeared on NBC's American Gladiator. Johnson was nicknamed "Stealth"

Happy Sonics Memories

Steve Barer brings back some of the happier Sonics memories on his blog. Steve shows a couple of old 78-78 clips that he found on you tube.

Cuban Bucks Trend Votes Against Relocation

Dallas Maverick owner Mark Cuban voted against Bennett's proposal to move the Super Sonics out of Seattle. Paul Allen (who actually stopped the Seahawks from going to LA) also voted in the minority. Hats off to those two gentleman!

Dramatic Weather Change

It's April 19th and it's snowing here. Hopefully more information and pictures coming soon. Last weekend the temperature was up to 80. We have definitely had the extremes here in the Seattle area.

Sonics Move Is Approved!

The NBA has approved the Seattle Super Sonics move to Oklahoma City. According to the Seattle Times.

Bedard Scheduled For Friday Start

The Seattle Times reports that Seattle Mariner Lefty Eric Bedard may not be put on the disabled list. So far, Bedard, whom GM Bob Bavasi basically bet his career on during the off-season has been more headache than help missing a couple of starts. Time will tell if this acquisition will pan out.

Howard Schultz Sues Bennett--Wants Sonics Back

Seattle's Professional Sports teams sadly have one thing in common. No I'm not talking about their endless ability to not live up to expectations, it's that all have been on the brink of leaving town. The earliest team in my memory (actually Seattle's second major team), The Seattle Pilots skipped town after a year, becoming the Milwaukee Brewers. The subsequent lawsuit, brought about a new baseball team in 1977, the Seattle Mariners. The bitten Seattle fans were reluctant to support the baseball team more or less forced upon them, until sports radio and a likable group of stars and potential stars who seemed gel at just the right time to capture the hearts of the fans and cause Safeco Field to be built. Even the Seahawks were bought by out of town owners and put out to die, actually setting foot in what was to be there new town. Until software billionaire Paul Allen stepped up and bought the team after persuading the town to build Qwest Field.

The Sonics seemed to be safe, after all, the 1990s which were rough times for the 'Hawks and Mariners (although the Mariners saw their first post season action in '95), saw some of the better Sonics teams. When Howard Schultz bought the team several years ago, he assembled some of the best and the brightest in the area business world and the future for the team looked good in Seattle. Until July 18, 1996 when the Sonics were sold to a group from Oklahoma City. While the owners, lead by Clay Bennett, promised to put forth a "good faith effort" to keep the team in Seattle, Sonic fans where aware the city warmly greeted the New Orleans Hornets while Hurricane Katrina caused the team to temporarily relocate.

Now once again the city is suing to keep a franchise and suddenly Howard Schultz has is suing to take back the franchise. The lawsuit is in response to e-mails Bennett made to his partners insisting that he meant all along to move the franchise. Whether or not Schultz will be successful remains to be seen but after the beating that he has taken after his first go around owning a team, it is amazing that he would want anything to do with the franchise.

Jazz Under The Stars

Last night, Deb and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Druids Glen, the scenic golf course outside Maple Valley. We then caught the performance of Michael Powers, who is part of the "Jazz On The Green" series. KWJZ, Seattle's "Smooth Jazz" Station is sponsoring the series on the second Saturday of each month through September.

Mount Rainier On A Beautiful Night

We took this picture of Mount Rainier yesterday from the Druids Glen Golf Course about about 10 minutes from our house. Skies were clear as temperatures where in the 80s hopefully signaling the end of winter.

Kathi Goertzen 1977

Maybe this will cheer up fellow Kathi Goertzen fans--her Freshman year at Washington State University. This photo is from the 1977 Chinook. Kathy is second from right, third row up.

A Blast From The Past--The Old KYYX Magazine

This may have been what you were wearing in the '80s! This picture is from the KYYX tribute site

What's Going On My Family's Blogs

My brother Steve gives his insight on Pro Wrestler Rick Flair on his blog, wallawallabarer

Washington State Makes Preemptive Strike On Tony Bennett

It has been reported that Tony Bennett has agreed to a new contract that will keep him as Cougar Men's Basketball Coach. Bennett has been rumored for openings at Indiana, Marquette (whose coach took the job at Indiana), LSU, and California. Bennett had just signed a seven year contract last year about this time, but greater success has apparently forced Washington State to sweeten the deal. WSU made the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament for the first time in years.

Wishing A Quick Recovery For Kathi

The Seattle area wishes long time Channel 4 Anchor Kathi Goertzen a quick recovery. Goertzen has gone in for the third time for a brain tumor.
Kathi's unassuming manner always makes her a welcome presence in people's living rooms. Her 30 years in the Seattle television market, make her a dynasty. Kathi and I both went through the Com department at WSU during the late 1970 and early 80s.
This picture is courtesy of the Seattle Times.

Last weekend we went to the Rocksport in West Seattle for a night of Rock and Roll. It started out with local band "Gray Sky Falling" with guest keyboarding Goldie McJohn. McJohn was original keyboardist for the sixties psychedelic band Steppenwolf.
The next band was StraightOn, a Heart tribute band

Appropriate But Safe

Washington's 5th District Legislative Caucus To Be Held In Issaquah

If you attended the Democratic 5th district Precinct caucuses in and have been chosen to be a delegate or an alternate, you will need to go to the 5th district Legislative Caucus this Saturday at the Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus at 24635 Issaquah Fall City Rd in Issaquah. The caucus will begin at 10:00 am. Only credentialed delegates may vote and are assured entrance. Unseated alternates and spectators will be admitted as seating allows.

Seattle Mariners Kick Baseball Season Off With Win

I guess "kick off" would be the wrong word but the Seattle Mariners started the 2008 campaign off with a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Pictured here are two Mariners who need no introduction. Top is Hall Of Famer Dave Niehaus, the voice of the Mariners and below of course Ichiro who came up with a couple of key hits.

House On Palouse Makes List Of Walla Walla Historical Sites

Thank you to my brother Steve, who found that house where we grew up is on a list of Walla Walla's historic places. My Dad sold the house in 2000 and moved up here to the Seattle area.

An old schoolmate of mine bought the house and remodeled it.

Celebrity Apprentice Named

In spite of my scathing review, I did watch the entire season of Celebrity Apprentice. An initial ratings hit, possibly due in part with the writer's strike earlier this year, it has been renewed by NBC for another season Tabloid journalist and America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, was picked over Country Music star Trace Adkins. Even though Piers won and deservedly so, Adkins won viewers hearts with his humble quiet demeanor. Piers on the other hand apeared to be a smirking caustic jerk, that should not take anything away from his charity which helped wounded veterans of Iraq War. Trace's charity involved helping children with food alergies. His 6 year old daughter, Brianna suffers from severe allergies to eggs, milk, and peanuts.

Donald Trump seemed to want to set up the confrontation as a good vs evil match. Carol Alt had a strong finish and felt badly slighted.

Rumours Swirl On Possible Bennett Departurne

It's no secret that Washington State's coach Tony Bennett, who helped take the Cougs from obscurity to a second straight NCAA apearence would be a hot coaching prospect. Now Fox Sports is reporting that Bennett has been offered the head coaching position at Indiana. Hopefully we can get more details in the coming days.

Cougs Wake Up From Dream Season

The clock struck midnight for the Washington State Cougars as they went down in defeat to the North Carolina Tar Heels 68-47. Allowing just 80 points in two match-ups, the Cougs themselves turned cold. Derek Low and Aron Baynes lead the Cougs scoring with just 14 points apiece.
Congrats to the Cougars for an excellent season!

Washington State Aims For Elite 8

The Washington State Cougars head to Charlotte, North Carolina this Thursday to take on the North Carolina Tar heels. This matches up the Cougs' defense, ranked second in the nation, against the Tar heels' number two ranked offense. This is the first basketball match up ever between the two teams. A victory would put the Cougs in the elite 8 for the first time ever.

We just returned from our yearly visit to the Palm Springs area. We spent time by the pool, saw both of our families, celebrated the birthdays of my nephews and also caught Palm Springs Follies. It was our second time to visiting the follies which features chorus girls ranging in age from the mid-fifties to 80s and the delighfully red-neck host Riff Markowitz. This year's featured performer is Melba Moore.

The Doors In 1967

The short forgotten summer of 1967 replacement show Malibu U, I think was very influential in my life. I remember seeing The Doors for the first time that August.

WSU Cougars Are In Sweet 16

The Washington State Cougars Men's Basketball team is still alive in the NCAA Tournament after a 20 point victory over the Notre Dame Irish. More later.

Boom--A Look At 1968

1968 was the beginning of the 60s that we know today. We remember it as the year

Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were assassinated,The Riots at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, sprinters John Carlos and Tommy Smith giving the "Black Power Salute" at the Olympics in Mexico City, the election of Richard Nixon, and finally, the Moon Orbit of Apollo 8.

Tom Brokaw somehow interviews and writes about the time, injecting his own experiences as well as interviewing many of the "players" on both sides of the fence.

I would enthusiastically recommend it.

Coach Tony Bennett Makes History At WSU

For the first time in School history , the WSU Cougars have made the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in consecutive seasons. The Cougs, lead by Coach Tony Bennett, are seeded 4th in the East Region and will play Winthrop in Denver this Thursday. This is Cougar's 6th overall apearance.

Tiger's Miracle

If you saw this on live TV, you would never forget it. Tiger Woods at the Masters a few years back.

Burl Barer On Internet Radio: New Show

While Burl Barer is still part of the Outlaw Radio crew. Burl talks here about his new internet radio endeavor